Is there a particular video, film, campaign or filmmaker that had a major influence on your career?
There isn’t one specific film that set my path, but I’ve always been drawn to powerful storytelling. One of my earliest memories is watching Transformers in theaters with my dad—I loved it so much we went back to watch it a second. That was the first time I remember thinking, I want to do that. Since then, I’ve been chasing the feeling of creating something that moves people emotionally and viscerally.
What drew me to documentary filmmaking is the richness of real life. There are so many powerful, untold stories happening all around us. My goal is to help bring the same level of impact and recognition that narrative films often receive into the documentary space. I’m a deeply curious person, and I believe storytelling helps us all understand each other—and the world—a little better.
What motivated you to make your impact video?
I came across an article about USC’s Street Medicine team and was immediately drawn in. What stood out to me was that their work wasn’t just about quick fixes or one-off visits. It was sustained, relationship-based care. They kept showing up. That commitment to building trust over time resonated with me.
Please tell us what camera(s) you shot with primarily – and any other special equipment that you used and why you used it.
We primarily used the Sony FX6. It’s small and flexible enough to move with the team and capture moments as they unfolded without being disruptive.
Please tell us about any special styles or techniques that you used during the production of your impact video to help tell your story.
Our goal was to make the viewer feel embedded—like they were walking alongside the team. To achieve that, we aimed for intimacy without intrusion. We stayed physically close to the action while working to make ourselves invisible. More than anything, it was about trust: building relationships with everyone involved so we could capture real, unfiltered moments.
How did your story evolve from day one, to the very last day in post? Is your story what you thought it would be?
The story evolved constantly. We went in with a framework, but like any documentary, the film found its shape in the edit. We were constantly adapting—following the footage, reevaluating structure, and letting the moments lead us. The final story isn’t what I originally envisioned—and that’s exactly what I love about this process.
Please describe the most rewarding experience you had while making this impact video.
Getting to know the Street Medicine team and witnessing their work up close was incredibly powerful. What stood out most was how deeply they connected with the final film. Their work is hard to explain to people who haven’t seen it—it’s nuanced, emotional, and unlike traditional healthcare. The fact that they felt accurately and honestly represented meant a lot to me. This wasn’t a polished promo; it was a raw, intimate portrait of the realities they face. I respected their willingness to be vulnerable and open, even when it meant showing the harder parts and acknowledging areas that still need improvement.
What advice can you give to other impact filmmakers?
Let your curiosity guide you. These stories are challenging—they take time, patience, and a lot of heart. But if you care deeply about the subject, that passion will carry you through the hardest parts. Always aim to make the best film you possibly can, because there will be plenty of obstacles—logistics, funding, and doubt from others. Many people might see all the effort and think it’s not worth it. But if you’re truly committed, your work can make a real impact and help others in ways you might not even imagine.
What’s your favorite part about the filmmaking process and why?
The edit. That’s where the film comes alive. It’s like solving a puzzle—except there’s no single solution. You try things, move pieces around, and discover meaning in the process. For this film, we spent a lot of time reworking structure and flow, and I loved every second of that.
What’s the one item you always take with you when working out in the field and why?
A clear mind. The day before a shoot, I write out a rough plan for the day—what I want to capture and when. Then I internalize it and let go. Once I’m out there, I want to be present and responsive.
Please provide a brief description of the work or organization featured in your video:
USC Street Medicine is an innovative healthcare initiative made up of interdisciplinary professionals committed to caring for the unhoused in Los Angeles. They combine medicine, social services, and research to address the complex realities of life on the street.
What have you learned about the value and impact of the project?
Most people don’t even know street medicine exists. These teams offer more than healthcare—they offer connection. Many patients live in isolation, and the Street Medicine team is often the only consistent presence in their lives. This film helped raise awareness about that work, which was our main goal.
Please share a personal story about your experience making this impact video.
This project began in a pre-production documentary class at USC. At the time, I was a junior and technically ineligible to pitch a project for the school’s capstone documentary course—where only a 3 films are chosen to be fully produced into short docs. Despite that, I poured everything into the project. I developed a pitch deck and created a five-minute sample video featuring members of USC’s Street Medicine team, including Jack and Gilbert, who would later appear in the final film.
Although I was required to label my pitch as “non-consideration” due to where I was in the production course track, I still presented it to the faculty during the final pitch session. I knew I wasn’t technically eligible, but I believed in the story and wanted to give it my best shot. To my surprise, the faculty saw something in the project—and in me. They not only selected it, but made an exception that allowed me to direct the film as an undergraduate.
That experience taught me that if you show up with preparation, clarity, and passion, doors can open—even when they’re “technically” closed. It was a defining moment for me as a filmmaker and reaffirmed my belief in following the story you believe in, no matter the odds.
What do you want audiences to take away from this video?
That empathy matters. Even in the most challenging conditions, small acts of care and connection can make a massive difference.
Please list key points that should be covered in a post-screening discussion:
Empathy, public health, housing insecurity, street medicine, resilience, and systemic care gaps.
Please provide information on any recent developments regarding the issue or subjects of the video. How have things changed or not changed?
Sadly, Hunter—the young woman featured in the film by the train—passed away just weeks after filming. Additionally, the specific team we followed, the SPA-3 USC Street Medicine team, has since been disbanded. Many of the individuals featured in the film no longer have access to the care they once received.
What opportunities are available for those interested in getting further involved?
You can support USC Street Medicine directly or donate to other local and national street medicine teams.
Please provide any additional resources (websites, links to additional videos, forms, articles, etc.) relevant to the context of the issue discussed in your video:
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